Independence of genetic subdivison and variation for coil in partula suturalis

Abstract

Id Partula suturalis, populations monomorphic for dextral shells are separated by steep dines from those monomorphic for sinistral shells. Because the difference in chirality is genetically simple, and because it acts to promote reproductive isolation, there is special interest in determining whether the “area effects” for coil are associated with other genetic differences. We examined geographic variation of allozymes at 23 loci throughout the range of P. suturalis. Neither the pattern nor the amount of allozyme variation are related to the area effects for coil. There is little evidence of allozymic differences between shells of different coils within polymorphic populations. Although chirality may be important in premating isolation, it appears to be ineffective in promoting genetic divergence. © 1987 The Genetical Society of Great Britain.